Quepem win GFDC U-12 girls tournament

Panaji: Quepem centre got the better of Ambelim 3-1 via tiebreaker in the final of the U-12 girls tournament, organised by Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), at Atal Stadium, Bambolim. The teams failed to score in regulation time.


The summit clash witnessed an exciting contest between Quepem and Ambelim. After a closely-fought match ended goalless in regulation time, Quepem emerged victorious in the penalty shootout to lift the title. The tournament, brought together 21 teams and over 300 young girls from across the state, making it one of the largest structured grassroots football platforms dedicated to girls in the state.


The initiative aimed at encouraging greater participation of girls in football while also providing a pathway for talent identification and development.


Sports minister Ramesh Tawadkar was the chief guest for the final. Also present was Glenn Ticlo, GFDC chairman, vice-president Dhaku Madkaikar, member secretary Fransquinha Oliveira, PK Mukherjee, independent director, Vedanta Limited & Sesa Community Development Foundation.


“It is heartening to witness such enthusiastic participation from young girls across Goa in a structured grassroots football tournament of this scale,” said Tawadkar. “Platforms like this tournament are important for nurturing talent, building confidence, and strengthening the sporting culture among the youth.”


Ticlo said the success of this tournament reflects the tremendous potential that exists in girls’ football in Goa.


“Organising and sustaining initiatives of this scale requires strong partnerships and committed support. Corporate backing such as that extended by Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited through Sesa FA plays a significant role in strengthening grassroots football development in the state. We hope more corporates come forward to support such initiatives and contribute towards building a stronger future for football in Goa,” said Ticlo.

Individual awards: Best player of the tournament: Uriel Fernandes (Ambelim); best goalkeeper of the tournament: Shanaica Gonsalves (Mandrem); best defender of the tournament: Eleora Crasto (Ambelim); most promising player: Aliza Fernandes (Quepem); best player of the final: Svea Fernandes (Quepem).